Boring apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for boring a wellbore, including a bit body having a first end, an inner cavity, and a second end. The first end is connected to a workstring that is configured to deliver a rotational force to the bit body. The inner cavity contains a profile having a first radial cam surface. The second end includes a working face containing a cutting member. The apparatus also includes a pilot bit rotatively connected within the inner cavity. A second radial cam surface is contained on a first end of the pilot bit. The first and second radial cam surfaces are operatively configured to deliver a hammering force. A second end of the pilot bit may include an engaging surface configured to engage a formation surrounding the wellbore. The bit body rotates relative to the pilot bit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/004,893, filed on Jun. 11, 2018, which is acontinuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/864,016, filed on Sep. 24, 2015 and now issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,017,994, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/065,372, filed on Oct. 17, 2014, all of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to a boring apparatus and method. Moreparticularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to adrill bit and a method of boring wells.

Drill bits have been used for boring subterranean wells. In the boringof a wellbore, the operator seeks to drill the well efficiently, safely,and economically. Drill bits are required to drill straight wells,deviated wells, horizontal wells, multilaterals, etc. Various drill bitshave been proposed through the years, including roller-cone bits andpolycrystalline diamond compact bits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a rotatingsegment having a first radial surface with a first circumferentialprofile; a non-rotating segment having a second radial surface with asecond circumferential profile; a housing disposed around the first andsecond radial surfaces; and one or more rolling elements disposedbetween and in contact with the first and second radial surfaces fortransferring the non-rotating segment in an axial direction uponrotation of the rotating segment. Each rolling element moves 360 degreesalong a circular path relative to the first radial surface and 360degrees along a circular path relative to the second radial surface. Therotating segment rotates more than 360 degrees relative to thenon-rotating segment. The first circumferential profile may include thetapered section, which may include an undulating waveform profile. Thesecond circumferential profile may include the tapered section, whichmay include an undulating waveform profile. Each of the rolling elementsmay include a spherical outer surface. In one embodiment, the apparatusmay include two rolling elements in contact with one another, and witheach rolling element having a diameter that is equal to one-half of aninner diameter of the housing. In another embodiment, the apparatus mayinclude three or more rolling elements, with each rolling element incontact with two adjacent rolling elements. In yet another embodiment,the apparatus may include two or more rolling elements and a guidemember, which is disposed between the first and second radial surfacesfor retaining the rolling elements in a fixed position relative to oneanother.

In another embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a firstrotating segment having a first radial surface with a firstcircumferential profile; a second rotating segment having a secondradial surface with a second circumferential profile; a housing disposedaround the first and second radial surfaces; and one or more rollingelements disposed between and in contact with the first and secondradial surfaces for transferring the second rotating segment in an axialdirection upon rotation of the first rotating segment. The secondrotating segment rotates at different rotational rate than the firstrotating segment. Alternatively, first and second rotating segmentsrotate in opposite directions. Each rolling element moves 360 degreesalong a circular path relative to the first radial surface and 360degrees along a circular path relative to the second radial surface. Thefirst rotating segment rotates more than 360 degrees relative to thesecond rotating segment. The first circumferential profile may includethe tapered section, which may include an undulating waveform profile.The second circumferential profile may include the tapered section,which may include an undulating waveform profile. Each of the rollingelements may include a spherical outer surface. In one embodiment, theapparatus may include two rolling elements in contact with one another,and with each rolling element having a diameter that is equal toone-half of an inner diameter of the housing. In another embodiment, theapparatus may include three or more rolling elements, with each rollingelement in contact with two adjacent rolling elements. In yet anotherembodiment, the apparatus may include two or more rolling elements and aguide member, which is disposed between the first and second radialsurfaces for retaining the rolling elements in a fixed position relativeto one another.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for boring a well is disclosed, withthe apparatus being connected to a workstring. The apparatus includes abit body having a first end, an inner cavity, and second end, with thefirst end connected to the workstring that is configured to deliver arotational force to the bit body. The inner cavity contains a profilehaving a first radial cam surface. The second end of the bit bodyincludes a working face containing a cutting member. The apparatus alsoincludes a pilot bit rotatively connected within the inner cavity of thebit body. The pilot bit extends from the working face. The pilot bitincludes a first end and a second end. The first end of the pilot bithas a second radial cam surface operatively configured to cooperate withthe first radial cam surface to deliver a hammering force. The secondend of the pilot bit includes an engaging surface configured to engage aformation surrounding the wellbore. The bit body rotates at a differentrate than the pilot bit. The first radial cam surface may include aninclined portion and an upstanding portion. The second radial camsurface may include an inclined portion and an upstanding portion. Theengaging surface may include an eccentric conical surface.Alternatively, the engaging surface may include a chiseled surface. Theworkstring may contain a mud motor for delivering rotational force. Theapparatus may further include a retainer operatively associated with thepilot bit for retaining the pilot bit within the inner cavity. Theworkstring may be a tubular drill string or a coiled tubing string. Theapparatus may further include one or more rolling elements disposedbetween and in contact with the first and second radial cam surfaces.Each of the rolling elements may be a spherical outer surface. Theapparatus may include two rolling elements in contact with one another,where a diameter of each of the rolling elements is equal to one-half ofan inner diameter of the inner cavity. The apparatus may include threeor more rolling elements, with each of the rolling elements in contactwith two adjacent rolling elements. The apparatus may include two ormore rolling elements and a guide member, which is disposed between thefirst and second radial cam surfaces for retaining the rolling elementsin a fixed position relative to one another.

A method of boring a wellbore is also disclosed. The method includesproviding a bit apparatus within the wellbore, with the bit apparatuscomprising: a bit body having a first end, an inner cavity, and secondend, with the first end connected to the workstring that is configuredto deliver a rotational force to the bit body; the inner cavitycontaining a profile having a first radial cam surface; the second endincluding a working face containing a cutting member; the apparatus alsoincluding a protuberance rotatively connected within the inner cavity ofthe bit body and extending from the working face; the protuberanceincluding a first end and a second end, with the first end having asecond radial cam surface and the second end having an engaging surface.The method further includes lowering the bit apparatus into thewellbore, contacting the cutting member of the working face with areservoir interface, rotating the bit body relative to the protuberance,engaging the engaging surface of the protuberance with the reservoirinterface in the wellbore, and impacting the second radial cam surfacewith the first radial cam surface so that a percussive force isdelivered to the cutting member and the engaging surface while drillingthe wellbore. In one embodiment, the first radial cam surface comprisesan inclined portion and an upstanding portion, and the second radial camsurface comprises an inclined portion and an upstanding portion. Theworkstring may contain a mud motor for delivering a rotational force.The workstring may be a tubular drill string, production string, or acoiled tubing string. Additionally, the engaging surface may be aneccentric conical surface or a chiseled surface. The protuberance may berotated due to frictional forces associated with the rotation of the bitbody, with a rotation rate of the protuberance being different than arotation rate of the bit body. The bit apparatus may also include one ormore rolling elements disposed between and in contact with the first andsecond radial cam surfaces, and the method may include impacting thesecond radial cam surface with the first radial cam surface through therolling elements. Each of the rolling elements may include a sphericalouter surface.

In yet another embodiment, an apparatus for boring a well is disclosed,with the apparatus being connected to a workstring. The apparatusincludes a bit body having a first end, an inner cavity, and second end,with the first end connected to the workstring that is configured todeliver a rotational force to the bit body. The inner cavity contains aprofile having a hammer. The second end of the bit body includes aworking face containing a plurality of cutting members. The apparatusalso includes a protuberance rotatively connected within the innercavity of the bit body. The protuberance extends from the working face.The protuberance includes a first end and a second end. The first end ofthe protuberance contains an anvil. The second end of the protuberancecontains an engaging surface configured to engage a formationsurrounding the wellbore. The hammer is operatively configured todeliver a hammering force to the anvil. The bit body rotates relative tothe protuberance. The workstring may contain a mud motor for deliveringrotational force. The hammer may include an inclined portion and anupstanding portion. The anvil may include an inclined portion and anupstanding portion. Alternatively, the profile of the inner cavityfurther includes a first radial cam surface, and the first end of theprotuberance further includes a second radial cam surface configured tocooperate with the first radial cam surface. The apparatus may furtherinclude a retainer operatively associated with the protuberance toretain the protuberance within the inner cavity. The engaging surfacemay include an eccentric conical surface or a chiseled surface. Theworkstring may be a tubular drill string or a coiled tubing string. Theprotuberance may rotate at a different rotational rate than the bitbody. The apparatus may further include one or more rolling elementsdisposed between and in contact with the hammer and the anvil. Each ofthe rolling elements may be a spherical outer surface. The apparatus mayinclude two rolling elements in contact with one another, where adiameter of each of the rolling elements is equal to one-half of aninner diameter of the inner cavity. The apparatus may include three ormore rolling elements, with each of the rolling elements in contact withtwo adjacent rolling elements. The apparatus may include two or morerolling elements and a guide member, which is disposed between thehammer and the anvil for retaining the rolling elements in a fixedposition relative to one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of one embodiment of the bit disclosed inthis specification.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cam surface on apilot bit.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partial sectional view of the area marked as “A”in FIG. 1 which depicts the radial cam surface within the bit.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pilot bit seen in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the bit disclosedin this specification.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the pilot bitseen in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bit of FIG. 1 taken along lineA-A.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the bitdisclosed in this specification.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a radial cam surface of the bit shownin FIG. 8.

FIG. 9B is a schematic view of the circumferential profile of the radialcam surface shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of an alternate radial cam surface.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the bitdisclosed in this specification.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged, partial sectional view of the area marked as “B”in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a workstring extending from arig, with the workstring being placed concentrically within a wellbore.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for applying axialmovement with a rotating member.

FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus taken along line A-Ain FIG. 13.

FIG. 14B is an alternate cross-sectional view of the apparatus takenalong line A-A in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14C is another alternate cross-sectional view of the apparatustaken along line A-A in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14D is yet another alternate cross-sectional view of the apparatustaken along line A-A in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 13 includinga guide member.

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus taken along line B-Bin FIG. 15.

FIG. 16B is an alternate cross-sectional view of the apparatus takenalong line B-B in FIG. 15.

FIG. 16C is another alternate cross-sectional view of the apparatustaken along line B-B in FIG. 15.

FIG. 16D is yet another alternate cross-sectional view of the apparatustaken along line B-B in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of one embodiment of the bit 2 disclosed inthis specification. The bit 2 includes a first end 4 having an outerdiameter that contains external thread means 6, wherein the externalthread means 6 will connect to a workstring (not seen in this view). Bit2 may be any tool that is capable of drilling a bore into a rockformation, such as a drag bit, a roller cone bit, a chisel-type bit, ora mill. As appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, theworkstring may include a bottom hole assembly that includes measurementwhile drilling instruments, mud motor means, and drill collars (notethat this list is illustrative). The external thread means 6 extends toa radial shoulder 8 which in turn extends to the outer conical surface10. As seen in FIG. 1, the outer conical surface 10 extends to aplurality of blades, including blades 12 and 14. The bit 2, and inparticular the blades 12, 14, contain cutting members for drilling andcrushing subterranean rock as appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art. In one embodiment, the blades 12, 14 comprise leg portions uponwhich the cutting members can be connected. For instance, FIG. 1 depictscutting members 16, 18, 20, 22 connected to the distal ends 23 (alsoreferred to as the working face 23) of the leg portions of the blades12, 14. Hence, the cutting members 16, 18, 20, 22 are contained on theworking face 23 of the bit 2.

The bit 2 also contains a radially flat top surface 24 which extendsradially inward to the inner diameter portion 26. The inner diameterportion 26 stretches to the opening, seen generally at 28. Opening 28 issometimes referred to as an inner cavity. The opening 28 has an internalprofile 30, wherein the profile 30 contains a first radial cam surfacewhich will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The opening 28 extendsto the bottom of the bit 2. As seen in FIG. 1, disposed within theopening 28 is the pilot bit 32 (the pilot bit 32 may be referred to asthe protuberance 32). Pilot bit 32 may, but need not, extend beyondworking face 23 of bit 2. The pilot bit 32 has a first end (generallyseen at 34) and a second end (generally seen at 36). The first end 34contains a second radial cam surface which will be described withreference to FIG. 3. It should be noted that the first and second radialcam surfaces cooperate together as will be more fully explained later inthe disclosure.

As seen in FIG. 1, the opening 28 further includes the increaseddiameter circumference area 38 which is adapted for placement ofretainer 40 therein for retaining pilot bit 32 within opening 28.Retainer 40 may be ball members as shown. Alternatively, retainer 40 maybe a pin, set screw, or other similar mechanism disposed at leastpartially within opening 28 for retaining pilot bit 32 within opening28. Any number of retainers 40 may be included. More specifically, thepilot bit 32 contains a first outer diameter surface 42 which stretchesto the chamfered surface 44 which in turn extends to the second outerdiameter surface 46, then to the chamfered surface 48, then to thirdouter diameter surface 50. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, thethird outer diameter surface 50 extends to the chiseled profile surface,seen generally at 52, with the chiseled profile surface 52 having abeveled end 54 for contacting the subterranean rock. The center line 56runs through the inner diameter portion 26 of the bit 2 as well asthrough the beveled end 54 of the pilot bit 32. The ball bearing members40 allow the rotation of the bit 2 as well as the rotation of the pilotbit 32. In one embodiment, ball bearing members 40 allow bit 2 and pilotbit 32 to rotate at different speeds such that the bit 2 may have afirst rotation rate, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), while thepilot bit 32 may have a second rotation rate, also measured in RPM.First and third outer diameter surfaces 42 and 50 of pilot bit 32 mayfunction as radial bearings, along with the inner surfaces of opening 28of bit 2.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of one embodiment of thesecond radial cam surface 60 on the pilot bit 32 will now be described.It should be noted that like numbers refer to like components in thevarious drawings. FIG. 2 depicts the outer diameter surface 42 as wellas the outer diameter surface 50, with the outer diameter surface 50extending to the chiseled profile surface 52. In one embodiment, thesecond radial cam surface 60 contains three ramps, namely ramps 62, 64,66. The ramps 62, 64, and 66 will cooperate with the internal profile 30to deliver the hammering force as will be more fully explained below.The ramp 66 contains an upstanding portion 68, an inclined portion 70and a flat portion 72 that is intermediate of the inclined portion 70and upstanding portion 70. The ramps 62, 64, and 66 are of similarconstruction. The radially flat area 74 a, 74 b, 74 c will be the areathat the two radial cams will impact during the hammering action. Inother words, the radially flat areas 74 a, 74 b, 74 c receive thehammering force and not the ramp surfaces.

Referring specifically to FIG. 3, which is an enlarged partial sectionalview of the circled area marked “A” in FIG. 1 will now be described.FIG. 3 depicts the first radial cam surface 80 on the internal profile30 of bit 2. FIG. 3 shows the inclined portion 82 which stretches to theupstanding portion 84 that then levels off to a flat portion 86. Theradially flat area is depicted at 88. The inclined portion 82,upstanding portion 84, the flat portion 86, and the radially flat area88 are reciprocal with the second radial cam surface 60 previouslydescribed. The second radial cam surface 60 will cooperate with firstradial cam surface 80 in order to generate a hammer force as per theteachings of this disclosure. Internal profile 30 engages and cooperateswith second radial cam surface 60 so that as bit 2 rotates relative topilot bit 32 (i.e., pilot bit 32 does not rotate or pilot bit 32 rotatesat a different rotational rate than bit 2), flat portion 86 of internalprofile 30 slides up inclined portion 70, across flat portion 72, overupstanding portion 68, and onto flat area 74 b of second radial camsurface 60. As flat portion 86 falls onto flat area 74 b of secondradial cam surface 60, a percussive force will be generated in an axialdirection through bit 2 and pilot bit 32 for assisting in drillingthrough a subterranean formation. In one embodiment, the second radialcam surface 60 is an anvil member and the first radial cam surface 80 isa hammer member.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the pilot bitmember, namely pilot bit 32. As seen in FIG. 4, the outer diametersurface 50 extends to the first concave surface 90 as well as the secondconcave surface 92 which in turn extends to the beveled end 54. Hence,as drilling progresses, the beveled end 54 may contact the subterraneanrock which in turn will be crushed and chiseled.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of bit 94, with FIG. 5depicting the second embodiment of the pilot bit 96 containing theeccentric conical surface 98. The bit 94 is the same as the bit 2depicted in FIG. 1 except for the pilot bit 96. As seen in FIG. 5, thecenter line 100 through the center of the bit 94 is offset from the apex102 of the cone portion 104 of pilot bit 96. The center line 106 of thecone portion 104 is offset from the center line 100 of the bit 94thereby forming an eccentric conical surface 104. Because of this offset(i.e., the eccentric distance), a higher torque is required to rotatepilot bit 96, which in turn requires a higher friction between theradial cam surfaces of bit 94 and pilot bit 96 in order to rotate pilotbit 96. With a greater eccentric distance of apex 102, a higher torquewill be required to rotate pilot bit 96. Thus, the eccentric distanceproduces a higher difference between the rotational rate of bit 2 andthe rotational rate of pilot bit 96 (i.e., a higher relative rotation),thereby increasing the frequency of impacts created by the interactionof the radial cam surfaces.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view of the second embodiment ofthe pilot bit member 96 seen in FIG. 5 will now be described. The pilotbit 96 contains at the distal end the cone portion 104 that leads to theapex 102. The cone portion 104 is eccentrically positioned which forms aradial area 108. The cone portion 104 may be integrally formed on thebody of the pilot bit 96 or may be attached such as by welding.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bit 2 of FIG. 1 taken along line7-7. Hence, the pilot bit 32 is shown along with the ball bearingmembers, such as member 40, with the ball bearing member 40 beingpositioned in the increased diameter circumference area 38. Also shownare the blades 12, 14 along with blade 109. FIG. 7 shows how the bit 2may rotate in a clockwise direction 110 relative to pilot bit 32. Whilebit 2 is configured to rotate, pilot bit 32 is not designed to rotate.Accordingly, pilot bit 32 may be a non-rotating member. In oneembodiment, however, frictional forces may cause pilot bit 32 to rotate.In that case, pilot bit 32 will rotate at a different rotational ratethan bit 2.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of bit 113. Except as otherwisenoted, bit 113 is the same as bit 2. Bit 113 may include blades 114 and115. Bit 113 may also include inner cavity 116 extending at least fromradial cam surface 117 to radial surface 118. Pilot bit 119 may includeshaft portion 120 extending from upper portion 121 to cone portion 122.Apex 123 of cone portion 122 may be offset from center line 124 of bit113. Upper portion 121 may include radial cam surface 125 and radialshoulder 126. Radial surface 118 of bit 113 may retain upper portion 121of pilot bit 119 within inner cavity 116.

Bit 113 may further include rolling elements 127 and 128 positionedbetween and in contact with radial cam surfaces 117 and 125. Rollingelements 127, 128 may also be referred to as rotating elements. In onepreferred embodiment, rolling elements 127, 128 are spherical memberssuch as stainless steel ball bearings or ceramic balls. In thisembodiment, each spherical member may have a diameter that isapproximately equal to one-half of the inner diameter of inner cavity116, such that the spherical members are in contact with one another. Itshould be understood that bit 113 may include any number of rollingelements. The number of rolling elements included may be equal to thenumber of high points or ramps on each of radial cam surfaces 117 and125. Each of the rolling elements may be the same size.

Rolling elements 127, 128 may be free to move between radial camsurfaces 117 and 125 as bit 113 rotates relative to pilot bit 119. Inone embodiment, rolling elements 127, 128 may move in a circular path onradial cam surface 125 as bit 113 rotates relative to pilot bit 119.This movement of rolling elements 127, 128 over radial cam surfaces 117and 125 may cause axial movement of pilot bit 119 relative to bit 113.Use of rolling elements 127, 128 allows for less of a direct impactbetween radial cam surfaces 117 and 125 of bit 113 and pilot bit 119,which may increase the life of bit 113 and pilot bit 119.

FIG. 9A illustrates a first embodiment of radial cam surface 125. Inthis embodiment, radial cam surface 125 includes a series of surfaces,namely surfaces 125 a, 125 b, 125 c, 125 d, 125 e, 125 f, 125 g, 125 h,125 i, 125 j, 125 k, 125 l. Several of these surfaces may have a risingor falling slope such that radial cam surface 125 has a multiplesegmented radial face. FIG. 9B is a circumferential profile view ofradial cam surface 125 shown in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9C illustrates anotherembodiment of radial cam surface 125. In this embodiment, radial camsurface 125 includes cam low side 126 a and cam high side 126 b. Theprofile of this embodiment of radial cam surface 125 may be a smootherwaveform. In one embodiment, the profile of radial cam surface 125 is asinusoidal waveform. It should be noted that the embodiments of radialcam surface 125 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9C may both be referred to as anundulating profile. Radial cam surface 117 of bit 113 may have areciprocal shape to radial cam surface 125. Alternatively, one of radialcam surfaces 117 and 125 may be a flat radial surface.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a yet another embodiment of bit 130.Except as otherwise noted, bit 130 is the same as bit 2. Bit 130 mayinclude blades 132 and 134. Bit 130 may also include inner cavity 136leading from radial cam surface 138 and hammer surface 140 to workingface 142. Radial cam surface 138 and hammer surface 140 may be axiallyseparated by a distance. Pilot bit 144 may be disposed within innercavity 136 of bit 130. Pilot bit 144 may include first end 146 andsecond end 148. First end 146 may include radial cam surface 150 andanvil surface 152. Radial cam surface 150 and anvil surface 152 may beaxially separated by a distance. Radial cam surface 150 may cooperatewith radial cam surface 138, and anvil surface 152 may cooperate withhammer surface 140. Second end 148 of pilot bit 144 may include achiseled profile surface (as shown) or an eccentric conical portion ofthe type discussed above.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the section B in FIG. 10. This view showsthat when hammer surface 140 of bit 130 is in contact with anvil surface152 of pilot bit 144, radial cam surfaces 138 and 150 are separated bythe distance ΔX. As bit 130 rotates relative to pilot bit 144, radialcam surface 138 of bit 130 engages radial cam surface 150 of pilot bit144. As explained above in connection with other embodiments, each highpoint 154 on radial cam surface 138 slides along each ramp 156 of radialcam surface 150. During this time, hammer surface 140 will separate fromanvil surface 152. When each high point 154 of radial cam surface 138slides over each high point 158 of radial cam surface 150, each highpoint 154 will drop over upstanding portions 160 of radial cam surface150. This drop causes hammer surface 140 of bit 130 to impact anvilsurface 152 of pilot bit 144. Because of the separation by distance ΔX,the impact force is not placed directly on radial cam surfaces radialcam surfaces 138 and 150. This arrangement will increase longevity ofbit 130 and pilot bit 144 by reducing wear on radial cam surfaces 138and 150. This embodiment may also include one or more rolling elementsbetween radial cam surfaces 138 and 150. Where rolling elements areused, rolling element may not be in contact with both cam surfaces whenhammer surface 140 contacts and impacts anvil surface 150.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a schematic representation of a workstring 230extending from a rig 232, with the workstring 230 being placedconcentrically within a wellbore 234. The workstring 230 will beoperatively connected to a bottom hole assembly, seen generally at 236.In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the bottom hole assembly 236 includes amud motor means 238 for rotatively driving the bit 2. As understood bythose of ordinary skill in the art, in the course of drilling a well, adrilling fluid is pumped through the workstring 230. The drilling fluidis channeled through the mud motor means thereby causing a segment ofthe bottom hole assembly to rotate. The rotative force is transferred tothe bit 2 which will cause the bit 2 to be rotated relative to the pilotbit 32. Hence, the bit 2 is rotated so that a first rotation rate isachieved. The cutting members (e.g., cutting members 16, 18, 20, 22shown in FIG. 1) contained on the working face 23 will also engage withthe reservoir interface 240. The beveled end 54 of the pilot bit 32(shown in FIG. 4), the apex 102 of pilot bit 96 (shown in FIG. 6), orthe apex 123 of pilot bit 119 will engage the reservoir interface 240.It should be understood that unless otherwise noted, the bits 2, 94,113, and 130 function in the same way and pilot bits 32, 96, 119, and144 function in the same way.

Pilot bit 32 may not rotate during boring operations. However, relativerotation of bit 2 relative to pilot bit 32 may cause pilot bit 32 torotate due to frictional forces. Relative rotation between bit 2 andpilot bit 32 may be caused by sliding and rolling friction between bit 2and pilot bit 32 and by friction between both members and the reservoirrock surrounding the wellbore. Bit 2 and pilot bit 32 may requiredifferent torque values to overcome the rolling friction and frictionwith the reservoir rock, which may cause rotation of pilot bit 32 at adifferent rotation rate than that of bit 2. Relative rotation may alsobe caused by the eccentric offset of apex 102 from the center line ofbit 94 when pilot bit 96 is used. Bit 2 may rotate at a higher rotationrate or speed than pilot bit 32. For example, the bit may rotate at80-400 RPM, while the pilot bit may rotate at 2-10 RPM. The methodfurther includes impacting the second radial cam surface 60 against thefirst radial cam surface 80 so that a percussive force is delivered tothe working face 23 and the pilot bit 32. In this way, the relativerotation between bit 2 and pilot bit 32 is converted into a relativeaxial movement between bit 2 and pilot bit 32. The cutting and crushingaction of the cutting members 16, 18, 20, 22 and pilot bit 32 coupledwith the hammering force will drill the wellbore.

As previously noted, in one embodiment, the first radial cam surfacecomprises an inclined portion and upstanding portion and the secondradial cam surface comprises an inclined portion and upstanding portionthat are reciprocal and cooperate to create the hammering force on theradially flat areas, such as areas 74 a, 74 b, 74 c seen in FIG. 2. Inone embodiment, the workstring contains a mud motor for delivering arotational force; however, other embodiments include surface rotarymeans for imparting rotation of the workstring from the rig floor. Inanother embodiment, the workstring is selected from the group consistingof a tubular drill string, a coiled tubing string, and snubbing pipe. Afeature of one embodiment is that the engaging surface (i.e. distal endof the pilot bit 32) may be an eccentric conical surface, a chiseledsurface, or other similar surface.

FIG. 13 illustrates apparatus 302 including rotating member 304(sometimes referred to as rotating segment) and second member 306(sometimes referred to as second segment). Rotating member 304 andsecond member 306 may each be at least partially disposed within housing308. Rotating member 304 may include first radial surface 310. Secondmember 306 may include second radial surface 312 opposing first radialsurface 310. First radial surface 310 or second radial surface 312 mayinclude a tapered surface as described above. In one embodiment, bothradial surfaces 310, 312 include a tapered surface. The tapered surfacemay be an undulating waveform profile. It should be understood thatrotating member 304 may be positioned above or below second member 306.

Apparatus 302 may include one or more rolling elements 314. In oneembodiment, apparatus 302 includes two rolling elements 314 a, 314 b asshown in FIG. 13. Each rolling element may have, but is not limited to,a spherical outer surface having a diameter that is approximately equalto one-half of an inner diameter of housing 308 such that rollingelements 314 a and 314 b are in constant contact with one another. Itshould be understood that apparatus 302 may include any number ofrolling elements. The number of rolling elements included in thedownhole apparatus may be equal to the number of high points or ramps oneach of radial surfaces 310 and 312. Each of the rolling elements may bethe same size.

Rotating member 304 may rotate continuously relative to second member306, i.e., rotating member 304 may rotate more than 360 degrees relativeto second member 306. In one embodiment, second member 306 is anon-rotating member. Non-rotating member means that the member is notdesigned to rotate and the member is substantially non-rotating relativeto the rotating member. In another embodiment, second member 306 is amember rotating at a different rotation rate than rotating member 304.Rotation rate is the speed of rotation, which may be measured in unitsof rotation or revolutions per minute (RPM). In a further embodiment,second member 306 and rotating member 304 rotate in opposite directions.In all embodiments, as rotating member 304 rotates relative to secondmember 306, rolling elements 314 move between first and second radialsurfaces 310 and 312 thereby producing an axial movement of secondmember 306 relative to rotating member 304. Rolling elements 314 mayeach move 360 degrees along a circular path relative to second radialsurface 312. Rolling elements 314 may also each move 360 degrees along acircular path relative to first radial surface 310. The movement ofrolling elements 314 on first and second radial surfaces 310 and 312 mayoccur simultaneously, such that rolling elements 314 move 360 degreesalong a circular path relative to the first radial surface 310 andsimultaneously move 360 degrees along a circular path relative to thesecond radial surface 312.

It should be understood that apparatus 302 is not limited to thedirectional and inclinational arrangement shown. In other words,apparatus 302 will function as long as first radial surface 310 opposessecond radial surface 31 with one or more rolling elements disposedbetween. Apparatus 302 may be arranged in an inverted vertical positionrelative to the one shown in these drawings. Apparatus 302 may also bearranged in a horizontal position or any other inclinational position.

FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 13showing rolling elements 314 a, 314 b on first radial surface 310disposed within housing 308. FIG. 14B is an alternate cross-sectionalview taken along line A-A in FIG. 13. In this embodiment, apparatus 302includes three rolling elements, namely rolling elements 314 a, 314 b,314 c. FIG. 14C is another alternate cross-sectional view taken alongline A-A in FIG. 13 showing apparatus 302 including four rollingelements, namely rolling elements 314 a, 314 b, 314 c, 314 d. FIG. 14Dis yet another alternate cross-sectional view taken along line A-A inFIG. 13 showing apparatus 302 including ten rolling elements, namelyrolling elements 314 a, 314 b, 314 c, 314 d, 314 e, 314 f, 314 g, 314 h,314 i, 314 j. Each rolling element in FIGS. 14B, 14C, and 14D may bedimensioned such that each rolling element is in contact with twoadjacent rolling elements.

FIG. 15 illustrates apparatus 302 having guide member 316 disposedbetween radial surfaces 310 and 312. Guide member 316 may be used tocontain rolling elements 314 a and 314 b in a fixed position relative toone another. FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B inFIG. 15 showing rolling elements 314 a, 314 b retained by guide member316 on first radial surface 310 disposed within housing 308. In thisembodiment, rolling elements 314 a, 314 b are dimensioned so that theyare in constant contact with one another. FIG. 16B is an alternatecross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 15. In thisembodiment, apparatus 302 includes two rolling elements 314 a, 314 b,with the rolling elements dimensioned so that they are separated fromone another. Guide member 316 retains rolling elements 314 a, 314 b in afixed position relative to one another, such as 180 degrees apart. FIG.16C is another alternate cross-sectional view taken along line B-B inFIG. 15. In this embodiment, apparatus 302 includes three rollingelements 314 a, 314 b, 314 c, with the rolling elements dimensioned sothat they are separated from one another and retained in a fixedposition relative to one another by guide member 316, such as 120degrees apart. FIG. 16D is yet another alternate cross-sectional viewtaken along line B-B in FIG. 15. In this embodiment, apparatus 302includes four rolling elements 314 a, 314 b, 314 c, 314 d, with therolling elements dimensioned so that they are separated from one anotherand retained in a fixed position relative to one another by guide member316, such as 90 degrees apart. It is to be understood that guide member316 may be used with any number of rolling elements 314. Use of guidemember 316 is preferred when rolling elements 314 are dimensioned sothat each rolling element does not constantly contact two adjacentrolling elements, such as in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 16B, 16C,and 16D.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions arepossible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims shouldnot be limited to the description of the preferred versions containedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for boring a well, with theapparatus connected to a workstring, the apparatus comprising: a bitbody having a first end, an inner cavity, and a second end, wherein thefirst end is connected to the workstring, said workstring configured todeliver a rotational force to said bit body, wherein the inner cavitycontains a profile having a first radial cam surface, and wherein thesecond end includes a working face containing a plurality of cuttingmembers; a pilot bit rotatively connected within the inner cavity andextending from the working face, said pilot bit having a first end and asecond end, wherein the first end contains a profile having a secondradial cam surface and wherein the second end contains an engagingsurface configured to engage a formation surrounding the wellbore; atleast two rolling elements disposed between and in contact with thefirst radial cam surface and the second radial cam surface; wherein thefirst radial cam surface comprises an undulating waveform profile andthe second radial cam surface comprises either an undulating waveformprofile or a radial flat surface or wherein the second radial camsurface comprises an undulating waveform profile and the first radialcam surface comprises either an undulating waveform profile or a radialflat surface; and wherein the bit body rotates relative to the pilot bitthereby causing the at least two rolling elements to move over the firstand second radial cam surfaces resulting in axial movement of the pilotbit relative to the bit body.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidworkstring contains a mud motor for delivering rotational force.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2, further comprising a retainer operativelyassociated with said pilot bit for retaining said pilot bit within theinner cavity.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said engaging surfacecomprises an eccentric conical surface.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein said engaging surface comprises a chiseled surface.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein the workstring is a tubular drill string.7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the workstring is a coiled tubingstring.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pilot bit rotates at adifferent rotational rate than the bit body.
 9. The apparatus of claim1, wherein each of the at least two rolling elements includes aspherical outer surface.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the atleast two rolling elements are configured to be in direct contact withone another, and wherein a diameter of each of said at least two rollingelements is approximately equal to one-half of an inner diameter of theinner cavity.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least tworolling elements comprises three or more rolling elements, wherein eachof the three or more rolling elements is in direct contact with twoadjacent rolling elements.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a guide member, the guide member disposed between the firstand second radial cam surfaces for retaining the at least two rollingelements in a fixed position relative to one another.
 13. The apparatusof claim 9, wherein each of the at least two rolling elements comprisesa stainless steel or ceramic bearing ball.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the undulating waveform profile of the first radial cam surfaceincludes a plurality of high points and wherein the number of at leasttwo rolling elements is equal to the plurality of high points.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the undulating waveform profile of thesecond radial cam surface includes a plurality of high points andwherein the number at least two rolling elements is equal to theplurality of high points.
 16. A method of boring a wellbore comprisingthe steps of: a) providing a bit apparatus within the wellbore, the bitapparatus comprising: a bit body having a first end, an inner cavity,and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the workstring,the workstring configured to deliver a rotational force to the bit body,wherein the inner cavity contains a profile having a first radial camsurface, and wherein the second end includes a working face containing aplurality of cutting members; a pilot bit rotatively connected withinthe inner cavity and extending from the working face, the pilot bithaving a first end and a second end, wherein the first end contains aprofile having a second radial cam surface and wherein the second endcontains an engaging surface configured to engage a formationsurrounding the wellbore; at least two rolling elements disposed betweenand in contact with the first radial cam surface and the second radialcam surface; wherein the first radial cam surface comprises anundulating waveform profile and the second radial cam surface compriseseither an undulating waveform profile or a radial flat surface orwherein the second radial cam surface comprises an undulating waveformprofile and the first radial surface comprises either an undulatingwaveform profile or a radial flat surface; and wherein the bit bodyrotates relative to the pilot bit thereby causing the at least tworolling elements to move over the first and second radial cam surfacesresulting in axial movement of the pilot bit relative to the bit body;b) lowering the bit apparatus into the wellbore; c) contacting thecutting member of the working face with a reservoir interface; d)rotating the bit body relative to the pilot bit; e) causing the at leasttwo rolling elements to move over the first and second radial camsurfaces resulting in axial movement of the pilot bit relative to thebit body to make contact with the reservoir interface while boring thewellbore with the bit apparatus.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein theworkstring contains a mud motor for delivering a rotational force. 18.The method of claim 17, wherein the workstring is a tubular drillstring.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the workstring is a coiledtubing string.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the engaging surfaceis an eccentric conical surface.
 21. The method of claim 17, wherein theengaging surface is a chiseled surface.
 22. The method of claim 16,wherein in step (d), the pilot bit is rotated due to frictional forcesassociated with rotation of the bit body, wherein a rotation rate of thepilot bit is different than a rotation rate of the bit body.